WildlifeExemption.com is here to make your life easier. However, before we can proceed with helping you to develop a wildlife exemption management plan for your property, we both need to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications to convert your land to wildlife valuation. First, do you currently have a 1-d-1 agricultural valuation on your property? Secondly, is your property at least 20 acres in size? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then we can help you develop a comprehensive wildlife management plan (If you answered no, click the following link for more wildlife exemption details). A wildlife management plan must be submitted to your local tax appraisal district to convert your property to a wildlife valuation.

Benefits of the Wildlife Exemption

What are the benefits of a wildlife exemption? Well, first and foremost habitat management and enhancement helps native wildlife, whether it be neotropical migrants (songbirds), upland game birds, or white-tailed deer. But native plants and animals are not the only ones that benefit from the wildlife valuation of your property–you benefit, too! It’s a win-win situation. Not only do good land stewards feel good about making their property better, but landowners can also maintain the same taxation rate as an agricultural valuation without performing traditional farming and ranching practices.

Ag valuation rates are typically less than $2 an acre. Compare that to residential valuations that start at $30-40 an acre. Even on a 30 acre tract that is a minimum tax difference of $840 annually! Lastly, the benefit of using WildlifeExemption.com is that you can ensure that the management practices implemented on your property are in line with the state’s and your local appraisal district’s requirements. Not only will our experience get your formal management plan right the first time, but we will save you both time and aggravation.

Overview of the Wildlife Exemption

The wildlife exemption, which is more properly termed wildlife valuation, allows a qualifying landowner in the state of Texas to have their property valued at the agricultural tax rate without traditional farming or ranching practices taking place on the land. The wildlife valuation is not a passive program, but more precisely refers to a property that is being actively managed for improved wildlife habitat. To qualify, at least three out of seven general management practices must be implemented.

The 7 Management Practices

Habitat Control

Supplemental Shelter

Supplemental Water

Supplemental Food

Predator Control

Erosion Control

Census

Property Size Determines Management Options

Not all wildlife species can be managed for on every property. Just as habitat requirements and space considerations are biologically based for all wildlife species, property size dictates the appropriate types of animals that can be managed for on any parcel of land. The verbage to qualify for wildlife valuation states that the habitat found on a property must provide breeding, wintering, or nesting habitat. Smaller properties, such as those less than 200 acres in size, are better suited to the management of songbirds. Larger properties, on the other hand, can be managed for animals that use larger areas, such as white-tailed deer.